ONE of Britain's leading educational charity chiefs has agreed to spearhead the Daily Post's campaign to save the last Battle of the Atlantic warship, HMS Whimbrel.

Vice-Admiral Michael Gretton, who is director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, has become chairman of the HMS Whimbrel Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Project steering committee.

He is son of Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Gretton, one of the most distinguished convoy leaders of World War II. Sir Peter was one of the ace trio of Battle of the Atlantic commanders with Liverpool's legendary Capt Johnnie Walker and Capt Donald McIntyre.

HMS Whimbrel was part of Capt Wal ker's U-boat hunter/killer escort group, based at Canning and Gladstone docks, Liverpool, and was at one time commanded by Capt McIntyre.

Vice Admiral Michael Gretton, a former commander of the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, has opened talks with the Egyptian Navy, the current owners of Whimbrel, to discuss the warship's purchase.

Now named Tariq, the 1942-built sloop is laid up at Alexandria Naval Dockyard, but the long-term plan is to return her to a permanent mooring at her former operational base in Canning Dock.

Joining Vice Admiral Gretton on the steering committee will be project manager Capt Chris Pile, a former Royal Navy frigate commander.

Vice Admiral Gretton said: "I am very pleased to be involved in the campaign to save HMS Whimbrel. She is a wonderful old survivor of the Battle of the Atlantic and the British Pacific fleet with a fine history.

"The concept of the HMS Whimbrel Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Project is a very sound one. Whimbrel fills a gap in the annals of war-ship preservation. There is simply nothing like this warship preserved anywhere else.

"She will take a proud place in our Naval heritage along with the likes of HMS Belfast, HMS Cavalier and HMS Warrior, stretching back to Nelson's flagship HMS Victory.

"The plan to return Whimbrel permanently to her former operations base at Canning Dock, Liverpool, is an appropriate mark of respect to all those Merseyside seamen who gave their dedication and, in many cases lives, for the sake of this country during its greatest battle ever.

"We must express our gratitude to the Egyptian Navy for maintaining Whimbrel. It is thanks to their care that, after so long, she remains in good enough condition to preserve."

Capt Patrick Walker, grandson of Capt Johnnie Walker (and president of the Capt Walker's Old Boys' Association), who was awarded the CBE in the New Year's Honours list, said: "I think my grandfather would be surprised about all the fuss surrounding him, but very touched and pleased that the sacrifice of so many was not forgotten."